Am I bipolar?

[ChubbyMummy12]

I'm struggling with anxiety stress and depression, I have been for years, but the more I think about it the more I think it's bipolar. I can't sleep properly at night. But then when I do sleep I struggle to wake up. I used to cut- I still get the urge to now. my mood swings are unreal, one minute I can be a screaming mess and be sat crying my eyes out wondering why I'm even here and then the next I'm fine, like I'm a ball of energy. I push my dh away, I can't stand the sight of him, then the next thing I know I crave him and sex so bad. I've recently been making myself sick and I don't even know why. I buy things for no reason, I can't even afford to spend money, I got a loan to clear my debts and credit cards and then ran them straight back up with pointless shit, and I don't know how to stop. I'm having counselling, I'm off work with stress and I have been since August. I don't even know how to breach the subject with the drs, il sound like a hypochondriac. Sorry for rambling on. But I don't know how to bring this up with the drs. Please be gentle, I'm really struggling at the moment

Anyone...?

The only way you’ll know is to be diagnosed by a mental health professional. Sometimes the symptoms of bipolar overlap with a number of other conditions so it can be difficult to diagnose. Very rapid changes in mood could indicate something more along the lines of a personality disorder but again you would need to be diagnosed by a mental health professional.
Hope you get the help you need and all the best

My mum was bi-polar and what you have said rings a lot of bells.
The ridiculous spending for one. My mum went on an epic 'manic' episode in her late 50s.
She watched TV shopping channels (early 2000s), bought loads of crap, BURNT all the receipts as soon as it arrived, so that my dad couldn't return it.
She spend over £15K in one week!
Then she would wander the streets at night, knock on peoples doors to try and live with them. The last straw was at a local swimming pool where she almost drowned a toddler in front of the mother!
Of course she was locked up for a bit (mental hospital).
She died in her late 60s, but up to this day, my dad is still picking up the pieces as she remortgaged the house and used the money to give away to charities.
He's now almost 75, and lives on pennies.
I'll never, ever forgive her, but of course...it was the illness.

So yeah OP, get yourself seen!

Bipolar affective disorder is incredibly rare, this is much more common do these symptoms match yours?

www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/borderline-personality-disorder-bpd/#.XiGtSSSnwlQ

People are often put off by the language used it needs to be reviewed.

@Sundance5 reading that, all the symptoms fit quite well too.
I just don't know how to bring this up with the dr. Do I just go in and tell him I think I have bpd/bipolar? Do I just tell him how I've been feeling and see if he suggests it? I know I'm probably over thinking it all, but I just don't know anymore and I'm so confused

The mood swings sound like they are much too rapid for a bi-polar diagnosis

I’m sorry I pressed post too quickly.
... but whatever the name / diagnosis, if you are struggling then yes go to GP and they can discuss and signpost on to the most appropriate places for support x

Ask your GP for a referral to a psychiatrist.

Yep as for to refer you to psychiatrist/secondary mental health services. They will do an assessment and sign post you to right services.

Your description rings some bells with me (DB and DF bipolar) but I'm no medic. Describe all this to your GP and ask for an urgent referral to a psychiatrist.

Could just as easily be complex ptsd. Or something else.

I wouldn't be suggesting BPD to your GP. It's a pretty good way to be refused any intervention whatsoever and find yourself in the dustbin.

Just ask for assessment.

Hi @ChubbyMummy12 Gosh, sounds like you’re having a tough time

From my experience of bipolar, moods can last a lot longer than minutes or hours. More like weeks or months (unmediated)

From your description it does sound closer to eupd. But bipolar can be complicated. It’s not simply high/low periods. There’s so much inbetween. Mixed can show similarities to eupd for example. A very dangerous episode to be in. Could be one of many reasons as there’s so much overlap with other illnesses.

I would make an appointment with your gp and express your concerns, especially if it’s affecting your everyday life, they might be able to refer you to other services depending on your needs. Diagnoses is a long process, so I wouldn’t expect anything too quickly.

Contrary to belief, bipoar disorder is actually quite common. Affects roughly 1 in 100 people.

I hope you find answers and feel better soon x

I have an appointment with the dr on the 4th feb. I've been struggling for weeks I've not felt this low in a while, and there's a hell of a lot more bad days than good. They've tried changing my antidepressants but it's just not working

Tell your gp that the meds they are prescribing don't work and you suspect there is something more than depression going on. Hopefully they refer you to psychiatrist.

People incorrectly diagnosing themselves with bipolar is very, very common. Having bipolar is rare.

See what the Doctor says and take it from there. Good luck I hope the Doctor can help.